Michel Maiers, O.D., graduated from Seton Hill in 1998 and optometry school in 2003 with a dream of starting her own practice. She began her career in eyecare working in a variety of settings and continued to work at other offices after establishing her own optometry practice – Youngwood Eye Care in Youngwood, Pa. – in 2007. 

After the birth of her second daughter in 2011, she decided to focus solely on Youngwood Eye Care. In 2016, Michel opened the doors to her current location and hired an associate to help balance her professional and family life. Today, Youngwood Eye Care has eight full-time employees and serves hundreds of patients a month.

In addition to running her practice and dedicating herself to her family, Michel finds purpose in giving back to her community. She was one of the founders of the Youngwood Area Business Association (YABA) and later served as president. Michel founded the Lance Wentzel Memorial 5K Run and assisted with the YABA 5K Run for the Playground. She also participated in Dancing with the Celebrities to raise money for HEAL Animal Rescue, formerly known as Animal Friends of Westmoreland. 

She supports Seton Hill students through the establishment of the Michel L. Maiers '98 Endowed Scholarship Fund, which provides assistance to women's volleyball players with financial need. Michel played both volleyball and basketball during her time at Seton Hill. She is currently a member of the American Optometric Association, Western PA Optometric Association, and the Pennsylvania Optometric Association. 

“I had many years of ups and downs and I have learned that my failures made me want to achieve my goals more than ever,” Michel said. “I credit Seton Hill for my ability to balance my career and family and allowing me to make the best decisions for me, my family, my employees, and especially my patients.” 

The Distinguished Alumni Leadership Award is one of the highest honors given to a Seton Hill graduate. Since establishing the award in 1987, Seton Hill has honored more than 300 Setonians as distinguished alumni. The award recognizes leadership in education, business, science and technology, the arts, volunteerism and philanthropy.